Golf training device



1935- c. T. HANLEY GOLF TRAINING DEVICE Filed Nov. 25, 1933 m T N E V m Chester 7. Handey M cfw I W CATTOQNEYS Patented Dec. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

The present invention relates to a new and improved device for training golf players in the correct execution of the golf swing.

primary objects of the invention reside in the provision of a novel golf training device which acts, through the application of a yieldable force on the left wrist and forearm of the golf player, to urge these members into the correct positions for the proper execution of the backstroke, the down-stroke and the follow-through, constituting the components of a good golf swing, and through practice to establish the suggested muscle action as a habit so as to confirm the player in the correct essentials of the swing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the foregoing character which is simple and inexpensive in construction, which is capable of being easily and quickly applied, and which does not detract from the pleasure of the game.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a View of a device applied to the left arm of a playor, and embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the device.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I have shown in the drawing and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit scope of the invention as expressed. in the appended claims.

The execution of a correct golf swing is generally recognized as involving the application of certain fundamental principles. Thus, the left arm of the player should be held as straight as practicable. The wrists should be cooked or bent r. 'ily during the latter portion of the back During the down stroke, the wrists remain cocked until the club head is about she l to hit the ball. Straightening of the wrists when cute the different things that should be done in various stages of the golf swing, they become confused, and hence lose their timing and coordination.

To overcome these difficulties, the present in- 5 vention contemplates the use of a mechanical device which is applied to the left arm, and which, through a properly directed yieldable force, tends to suggest, remind or urge the muscles to perform the proper actions without undue exercise of the mental faculties. To this end, the preferred form of device illustrated in the drawing comprises a yieldable tension member 10, preferably in the form of a band of elastic webbing, which is anchored at one end to the left arm and at the other end to the left hand in such a manner that it tends to cock the left wrist laterally toward the thumb side.

Any suitable means may be provided for at-' taching one end of the band II] to the arm. In the present instance, one end of the band It] is attached to a loop ll adapted to encircle the arm, preferably just above the elbow. The loop, even though comparatively loose, is held against sliding along the arm by the elbow, and at this point does not affect the blood circulation or muscle action. The loop Il may be formed by securing the inner end of the band H) to an intermediate portion thereof. As illustrated, the inner end of the band Ill is threaded through a 3 loop fastener l2, then is folded back along its length, and then is connected to an intermediate portion of the band by means of a slidable buckle i3. The fastener I2 is adapted for interlocking engagement with a suitable button [4 riveted to the band ID to complete the loop ll after the band has been wound about the arm.

The outer end of the band l0 likewise may be attached in any suitatble manner to the hand, as for example, by means of a member 15 encircling the palm. Preferably, the member 15 is a fingerless glove. The outer end of the band I0 is threaded through a loop fastener l6, and is then folded back along its length and connected to an intermediate portion of the band by means of a slidable buckle ll. A suitable button I8 riveted to the glove I5 approximately between the thumb and the forefinger is adapted for interlocking engagement with the fastener I! to complete the connection. The band I0 when attached to the glove l5 extends underneath the thumb and along the inside of the forearm so as to impart a lateral inward pull on the hand. It will be understood that by sliding either or both of the buckles l3 and I! along the band It], the

length of the latter can be adjusted to the proper size for each user.

When addressing the ball, it is comparatively easy and natural to hold the left arm and wrist straight even though a slight pull is exerted by the band I0. n the back stroke, the pull of the band l0 tends to cock both wrists, and. serves to prevent the wrists from rotating before and after being cocked. Thus, the wrists are retained in the correct position, and are naturally cocked at the end of the back stroke without requiring special mental effort. The pull of the band It also serves to prevent the wrists from straightening at the top of the back stroke and during the initial portion of the down stroke. However, just before impact, the natural'effort to hit the ball causes an instinctive straightening of the wrists, thereby giving the desired snap to the blow at the critical time.

Confining the elbows and wrists to their correct positions during the back and down strokes, causes the club head when approaching the ball to follow an are inside that of the back stroke and enables the player to execute a good followthrough stroke. The pull of the band Ill tends to cook the wrists at the end of the followthrough stroke. While the pull of the band tends to cock the wrists, it also tends to set up an instinctive mental tendency to avoid bending of the left elbow during the back and down strokes.

Use of the device in play serves to train the muscles to perform a correct golf swing. After a time, the correct movements become a confirmed muscular habit. The device is applied to the left arm as illustrated for right handed players. It will be understood, that the device may also be adapted for left handed players, and.

in this event, it is applied to the right arm.

I claim as my invention:

1. A golf training device comprising an elongated yieldable tension member, means for removably securing one end of said member to one upper arm of a player, and means to secure the other end of said member to the corresponding hand, whereby said member exerts a pull tending to cock the wrist laterally.

2. A golf training device comprising an elongated yieldable tension member, means for removably securing one end of said member to the left upper arm of a player, and means to secure the other end of said member to the left hand, whereby said member exerts a pull tending to cook the left Wrist laterally.

3. A golf training device comprising an elongated elastic strap, one end of said strap being adapted to be wrapped about one upper arm above the elbow of a player and then secured to' an intermediate portion of said strap, and a glove for the corresponding hand, the other end of said strap being adapted to be attached to said glove approximately between the thumb and the forefinger to exert a lateral pull on the hand.

4. A golf training device comprising an elongated elastic strap, one end of said strap being adapted to be Wrapped about one arm of a player and then secured to an intermediate portion of said strap, means for encircling the players hand, and means for attaching the other end of said strap to said last mentioned means.

5.'A golf training device comprising means adapted to be attached to one upper arm of a player, means adapted to be attached to the players corresponding hand, and an elongated member connecting said means and tending to exert a lateral pull on the hand.

CHESTER T. HANLEY. 

